When it comes to writing, we might mix up fiction and non-fiction writing. When it comes to writing, some people, especially Asians, can be easily confused by fiction and nonfiction writing. The difference between them is that there is a clear and practical purpose behind non-fiction writing. For example, you send Emails to communicate with your colleagues, you try to persuade your boss by making a one-page proposal, or you write some copies to encourage potential customers to purchase your products or services.
Therefore, the purpose of writing is to “serve” your readers. Make sure you’re writing with words and sentences which they are familiar with. Try to know your readers better. Walk into their lives and find out what motivates them.
Always spare room for your readers in your mind. So, if there are some words and sentences that are useless for your readers, remove them decisively.
Don’t try to make your writing perfect when you start. If you want to write good articles, it’s necessary to revise again and again. But it sounds difficult because we devoted so much time and energy to these words and sentences.
Let me tell you a story about myself. At my first internship job, my boss assigned me to write an article for the first time. The article was about the rule of how to start a business-Product Market Fit, put forward by Marc Andreessen, a successful entrepreneur and investor. I wrote 3000 words with passion for the draft, but it was rejected by the boss with feedback.
Then I began to revise the paragraphs where the boss wasn’t satisfied, but the more I edited, the worse the article became. So I made up my mind to toss away the original document and start to write a new one.
Then the miracle happened. A blank document had removed all the obstacles in my way. The materials for the article were the same, but I broke down the old structure and constructed a new one. In order to perfect the article with the new structure, I searched for more materials and cases to support my opinion. Once I finished the new article, it was immediately approved by the boss!
I learned a lesson from this precious experience. It takes courage and determination to abandon the effort you have made. But after you do it, the articles could turn into masterpieces.
Don’t you think it’s the same thing in both our professional and personal life? Start to write and don’t hesitate. You can make it!